The Jeonnam provincial government has come under fire following remarks made by Gindo County Mayor Kim Hee-soo, who suggested that the region consider 'importing' young Vietnamese women to help resolve a population decline. His comments, made during a public town hall meeting on the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, prompted significant backlash due to the inappropriate framing of women as a solution for societal issues and have been condemned for undermining women's dignity. In acknowledgment of the severity of the backlash, Jeonnam Province issued a formal apology to the Vietnamese embassy and the Vietnamese government.

On July 7, the provincial authorities expressed their sincere regret over the mayor's remarks, emphasizing that the use of terms such as 'import' dehumanizes individuals and trivializes women's roles in society. They pledged to review internal policies and take corrective measures to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring. This incident has ramifications not just for local governance but also for international relations, showing the delicate balance that must be maintained in discussions about demographic challenges amid global interconnectedness.

In response to the public outcry and the embassy's formal complaint, Mayor Kim released an apology acknowledging his mistake in language. He clarified that the intent was not to devalue anyone but acknowledged the misunderstanding that arose from his choice of words. The Jeonnam provincial government is also planning to send a similar apology to the Sri Lankan embassy, indicating a broader recognition of the need to foster respectful and sensitive communication about immigration and gender issues.